There was a time when oil burners were a real threat on the tracks.
The Indycar as we know it today, exclusively uses engines that run on a mix of ethanol and gasoline. But did you know that back in the early days, diesel-powered cars attempted to go for the win at the Indianapolis 500 and almost succeeded?
Cummins, the same company that makes the heart of the Ram 3500 and other trucks, entered the famous motorsport event with diesel-powered race cars sporadically in 1931, 1934, 1950, and 1952.
As detailed in an informative history video by VisioRacer, the diesel specialist first entered the Indy 500 with a pair of Cummins Diesel Specials – one was a two-stroke while the other was a four-stroke, and both were supercharged. The former didn't fare well, though, due to cooling issues.
Fast forward to 1950 and the race rules were changed to allow for 6.6-liter diesel engines, prompting the birth of the Cummins Green Hornet. It sported a streamlined body made by chassis designer Kurtis-Kraft. It was powered by a turbocharged 6.6-liter oil burner capable of making up to 340 horsepower.
But the Green Hornet barely qualified for the 1950 race. As such, Cummins skipped the 1951 season and focused on improving its race weapon with a new suspension system, lighter magnesium and aluminum engine components, and a turbocharger. Its engine was likewise tilted to lower its center of balance, and its output was bumped up to 380 hp.
On that note, the subsequent Cummins Indy 500 racer project was the first car to have ever used a turbocharger in the history of the motorsport event, and the only turbodiesel Indycar ever made. It was also the first aerodynamically viable car that raced in the famous race event.
Cummins Ian McWilliams/Wiki Commons Cummins
When the new and improved diesel racer entered the “Brickyard” in 1952, it set a one-lap track record of 139 mph. It likewise gained pole position for the race in the same year. But after 71 laps and reaching fourth place, the car had to retire from the race due to various issues. According to a historian, the low-set turbocharger inlet “sucked up rubber particles which eventually blocked it up”.
Whether winning or not, Cummins achieved its goal of promoting diesel engines as viable passenger car powerplants and performance beasts. Until today, many people are smitten with these engines and are lovingly restoring old ones just like the one on that awesome-looking Power Wagon we showed off in 2021.
And of course, car enthusiasts have lovingly embraced the nearly indestructible Cummins diesel with off-the-cuff engine swaps. Examples include a V8 diesel Tesla by Rich Rebuilds, and that incredible twin-turbo diesel rat rod that appeared at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour.
Cummins Cummins Cummins
Keyword: Cummins Almost Won The Indy 500 With A Diesel Engine